Hey, guys RGQC here with another chapter, and I don't have much to say either that future uploads for my stories might slow down as I would be returning to improve on my studies which means I can't afford to spend more time writing. So, this is just a heads-up for all who read my content.
Besides that, we got some reviews to address before we start.
Cyan-Snake: To be fair, on Dr Racher's side, Lucia's creator never really bothered to tell anyone about the reason why he ordered her to kill everyone to ensure her freedom. It was only recently that only those closest to Ironwood knew about the motive for Lucia's rampage. Plus, they were quite determined to hide her return because of population and political uproar if her return is made public.
I won't blame you for leaving if it feels like nonsense for new threats to appear out of nowhere constantly.
Guest: Ozpin's influence alone should be able to keep them silent about Lucia's origin. Perhaps. And yes, I wanted Roland to serve as a wake-up call that things will not be as easy as it seems once Altas comes knocking onto Merlot/Racher's laboratories.
And the introduction of Liv would allow for some interesting interactions in the future when people realise that she was initially a human to willingly converted into a Construct just for the sake of helping others. Just like a particular rose that desires to become a huntsman…
TalonScythe: Yup, and the world changes and drifts further away from canon, for better or for worse. And this chapter bothers me because something felt off about it, and what you described is the main issue I had with the last Chapter. So, I will do my best to avoid making the same mistake.
SolSparda369: Creating a vaccine is one thing and will take years. You might as well just purify them or something.
Dourboy97: You must be referring to her Crimson Weave frame. As of right now, I'm not sure whether to add that frame in yet. And it's way too early for Lucia to change frames just yet.
YeTianshi: This is honest criticism, and I agree. I feel the story's pacing is going a bit too fast, and I was thinking of slowing it down so we're not doing a speed run simulator. As for Lucia's guilt thing, it is more of a subconscious something that affects her.
Since her action affected Remnant like a shockwave, many lives were lost by her hands. The machine part of her personality is more willing to move on, but the human is more guilty and aware that she has blood on her hands. And not everyone is ready to forgive or forget her actions.
And we're done with the comments. So, let's get this show on the word.
Like always, I do not own any of RWBY or their content. They all belong to their respective owners. Nor do I own any content belonging to Kuro Technology and their series Punishing Gray Raven.
Around 15 minutes had passed since I left General Ironwood's office, and I had mixed feelings about what had happened earlier. This will be the first ever recorded case of a human undergoing the Construct transference procedure, unlike me or my sisters, who underwent it before to upgrade our frames.
I honestly don't know how it would turn out in the end. There's also the fact that the process will be rushed to save Liv's life since the Grimm Virus severely damages her major organs, as I were to call it. I must be there to oversee the procedure and ensure the process runs smoothly, as I did for my sisters.
And speaking of sisters…
I will need to check on Luna. Just how did she manage to extract the Grimm Virus from Liv at all? I understand she can manipulate the nanobots in her system, but does that also apply to Grimmified versions? Or did she bind them with pure nanomachines and then extract them?
I suppose Luna can explain the details to me. However, I wonder if the General's making the right decision to grant Liv her desire to be converted into a Construct. Once the procedure is completed, monitoring how she is doing will be wise. Who knows what her mental stability will be like after disposing of her dying organic body?
Now that I think about it…
Luna did mention her theory about why Construct frames can mimic the human body. And her theory suggests that it is to ensure the mental stability of a person's mind in a body that is not theirs. So, just like how a body might reject a new organ after an organ transplant, her mind might reject the Construct frame when it recognises it as a foreign matter.
Thus, basic human needs like breathing, eating meals, sleeping, etc., are required to ensure the stability of the mind.
Shaking my thoughts in my head and walking through the halls of the Central Command Centre, I picked up various chatters among the personnel currently stationed there. While most are insignificant to me, others spoke about what happened recently, mainly about Liv and her condition.
It appears that rumours are already circulating through some of them, with many questioning what exactly happened to her. Others were curious about my involvement with Liv but chose not to ask because it was not their business to question.
Tapping into the internal servers as I usually do when I have the time, I began searching through the various sights in Altas until I found Luna in her room, sitting in a much more refurbished room with tables and chairs as well as other commodities and the plushie I got for her on her bed. And Luna is on her workbench and appears to be absorbed in what she is doing as she has her hand up and positioned in a way that makes it as if she is holding a wine glass.
And just above her palm was a baseball-sized black ball of something. Zooming in closer, I realised that those must be the Grimm virus Luna extracted from Liv and not far away on her table. I could see that she took them out of the containment box to experiment without supervision! Luna! I can't believe you're playing with something we do not understand!
Or did Watts want her to figure it out since she managed it earlier?
Nevertheless, I silently observe my sister as I set my body to go towards her room as fast as possible while continuing to watch my sister as she then begins changing the ball of black into shapes as her brow furrows. Luna raised her other hand and made a pulling gesture as the Grimm virus ball contorted slightly before it stretched like water as particles of red began to flow out of the Grimm virus and float onto her second hand.
Luna's expression changed to a look of intrigue as she began playing around with it. And by playing around with the Grimm Virus, I mean stabbing it with a knife she created and watching what it does. I… don't think that's how you study it, Luna…
Not by stabbing it, at least.
Minutes soon passed of Luna stabbing it with a knife with no results, she then grabbed a block of steel from her table, and with her gravity abilities, she commanded it to float towards the ball of Grimm Virus slowly. And upon contact, we were rewarded with the horrifying sight of the Grimm virus beginning to devour the block at steel, and it started to grow in size! Much to both of our shocks!
Luna's eyes noticeably shrunk as she pulled the steel block away from the ball of Grimm virus, which was partially devoured! Then, as if I'd never seen such expressions from my little sister, Luna bared a sheepish look as she directed the ball of Grimm into its containment box and shut it tight.
I had just witnessed my little sister expressing much more emotions, which was unexpected coming from her. She must only do it when she's alone. I wonder why she bothers acting completely neutral all the time, then.
[Destination reached. Autopilot disabled. Currently outside Luna's room]
Ah, wonderful.
Bringing myself back to my body, I brought my fist up and knocked on the door. And Luna soon opened up as she tilted her head about why I was there. "Sister Lucia, why are you here?" Luna asked as she was back to her emotionless self.
"I completed my debrief with General Ironwood minutes earlier and wished to check on you, Luna." I explained as Luna paused for a moment before nodding her head.
"Understood. Come in and make yourself at home." Luna says as she opens her door fully as I walk into her room. While everything was still plain white, as I remembered it was when I last entered her. Now it feels more… homey in a way.
There's also a water boiler on a counter with tea packets in the corner of the room. I see she has developed a taste for tea. I'm more of a coffee person myself. Speaking of tea and coffee, our Construct frames can even simulate the effects of caffeine in our system somehow.
As a result, it sparked gossip among the personnel about them witnessing me drinking coffee in the morning before my mission and encounter with BPB-26. They were amusing, to say the least. Though some were getting increasingly unnerved at how human we Constructs were becoming.
So, as I walked in and sat on the available chairs in Luna's room, she asked me whether I minded having some tea, which I accepted. It's good to take things slowly once in a while after that mess earlier on. And right… Penny's going to Vale soon.
And that means if things go as canon is, Torchwick will be there. But that still doesn't explain what Salem will do now that she doesn't have the Watts on her side. Would she take a more direct method and have the wyvern Grimm smash up the CTTs after Cinder fucks up the Vytal Festival?
I could only wonder in my thoughts for a moment before two cups of tea floated and landed on the table as Luna walked in and sat on the chair opposite me. Right. I forgot to mention that Luna developed some gravity manipulation ability, and Watts concluded that it was possible for Constructs with souls to develop Semblances of our own.
With her gravity manipulation semblance, this alone made Luna a force to be reckoned with, and Watts has her training in utilising it with maximum efficiency. This allows for maintaining a state of 'flight' as Luna manipulates her gravity of herself all the time.
And thanks to our experimental Dust and aura cores, she can run it indefinitely. This also can be used in combat to terrifying degrees, as some Grimm she tested on found out. I thought it could get messy if she misused it on something organic.
"I hope this is to your liking." Luna said as I picked up my tea and sipped it. Sure, it's 100 degrees hot, but we Constructs can't get burned by it. Strangely enough, I could only watch Luna blow on her tea before drinking it.
Which was strange now that I think about it.
Tilting my head slightly to the left, I asked my sister. "Luna, is there a particular reason for blowing on your tea?" I wondered as Luna looked at me with her clover-shaped pupils. "We cannot get burned by it due to our Construct frames. So why do you blow it?"
What I did not expect was for Luna to freeze for a split second before she answered me. "I saw several humans blowing on their meals before eating." How interesting…
[Notice. 55.754% Luna Laurel is hiding something from Lucia Alpha.]
Seriously system?!
Just because I had a hint of suspicion about her doesn't mean you must do this! Everyone is entitled to keep their secrets! Including me, for fucks sake! So what if she's hiding something? As long as it doesn't threaten Remnant or something, I do not care!
"I see…" I hummed casually as I sipped my tea again and closed my eyes momentarily. "I'll accept it." Perhaps it might be wise to change the topic right now…
"What are your thoughts on Liv?" I asked next as Luna childishly tilted her head.
"Is there a particular reason we are talking about that human we saved, Lucia?" Right. She must be aware that I was the one who brought her to Atlas. And she was the one that somehow removed the Grimm Virus from Liv's body.
"She is much different from a normal human upon observation. And a query for you. How did you remove the Grimm nanomachines from Liv?" I asked as Luna raised a curious eyebrow before she brought her hand up as several particles emerged from several 'ports' on her arm. And I identified them as father's nanomachines.
"They're stubborn. Have no choice but to use my nanomachines to trap and subdue them. The procedure took half an hour to accomplish. However, the damage to her major organs is extensive." Luna explained as I nodded my head with my eyes close.
"Am aware. Dr Watts informed General Ironwood and me about the situation with Liv. And the General has permitted the Construct transference procedure for Liv to proceed." I explained as Luna's eyes widened. I guess she hasn't been informed about it, not that I blame her. I am still unsure how to feel about it, though…
"I… see…" Luna murmured as she took a sip before speaking again. "There was a 23.54% of the General permitting for the transference procedure for Liv. Why would the General permit it?" Luna then asked as I could only offer a shrug.
"Inconclusive," I admitted. "While I do not understand why the General permits it, I could see why he does it. Liv has expressed an unusual amount of selflessness during the mission, and she willingly allowed BPB-26 to infect her and, in return, a solution to free the trapped Huntsmen. Even then, Liv wished to keep living for the sake of allowing her to keep helping others in need."
I explained what I heard in Ironwood's office to my sister, and her eyes narrowed.
"What do you think will happen next?"
[98.75% Liv will be designated under watch once the Construct transference procedure is complete for a month]
[Likely, she will be designated as a medic on the battlefield as per her profession.]
[46.563%, Liv will be assigned to the Ace Ops]
[63.734% will be assigned under Lucia]
"It is likely that Liv will be under watch once the Construct transference procedure is completed. To ensure she adapts to her new body without any faults. This will be the first time a human has undergone the procedure. And I intend to be there to ensure the progress passes smoothly, as will Dr Pietro and Watts." I explained as Luna closed her eyes with a hum as she drank her tea.
"Do you wish to talk about what will happen next?" Luna asked next as I shrugged.
"Penny informed me hours ago that she will be heading to Vale to participate in the Vytal Festival soon." I paused for a moment to take a sip. "She has a 99.567% of coming out as the winner of the Vytal Festival. However, a particular Huntress in training in Beacon worries me greatly."
"And she is?" Luna tilts her head as I send my sister a data package of Pyrrha.
[Sending Data Package of Pyrrha Nikos to Luna Laurel.]
[Data Package sent successfully.]
My sister's eyes blinked absentmindedly as I explained. "Pyrrha Nikos. Known as the star student who had already won the Mistral Tournament four times before joining Beacon Academy and is a famous, world-class athlete and tournament fighter. Her semblance is Polarity, allowing her to control metal via magnetism."
Pausing for a moment to drink some more tea, I continued. "After some analysis, Pyrrha Niko's semblance poses a significant danger to our Construct frames as she could unintentionally rip us into pieces unless there is a solution to make us immune to magnetism."
All I got was a hum from Luna before she spoke. "And you fear that Penny could be at risk, do you?" I nod my head as I conclude. "It will be necessary to inform Penny to watch out for Pyrrha's semblance. Les, gets torn apart in the festival in an accident."
Luna nods her head as she stares at me. Is… there something on my face?
[Luna Laurel is currently analysing current frame damage on Lucia Alpha.]
Oh.
"You sustained some damage to your frame, sister. Therefore, I recommend you perform some maintenance. "Luna paused as she gave me a small smile. "Would you like some assistance when performing maintenance right now?"
Aww… that smile of hers… How could I say no to that?
"Very well, sister. You will see no arguments from me." I smiled at Luna as we cleared the tea we were drinking before heading out so I could get my frame maintained and repaired with Luna's help.
And it wouldn't be hours later that Watts contacted both of us to meet him and Pietro in their laboratory, for they were about to begin the Construct transference procedure. As it turns out, Penny was already there talking to Pietro about some of the details since We had to rush the set-up for this procedure to save Liv on time.
And speaking of Liv, I could see her on the operating table with all types of medical equipment attached to her. And she's not doing so hot right now. Her skin is even paler than before, and she's looked barely alive. I guess the Grimm Virus did a number on her major organs, and she's dying quickly.
Amazingly, it hadn't reached her brain because if it did, she would be dead, no question. I slowly walked through the various Atlas personnel of the R&D department and medical staff, though most gave me a wide breath as I approached Liv.
And once I reached the operating table Liv was on, my footsteps must have woken her up as I could see her pink eyes opening up as she had an oxygen mask on her face. "You're here…" Liv spoke up as I nodded.
"I never got to… thank you for… saving me…" Liv murmured slowly as I gently took her hands into mine while disabling my emotion suppressors
[Emotion suppressors disabled.]
"No," I shook my head. "Thank you for getting those Huntsmans out, even if it comes at a cost." I smiled gently as I saw Liv offering me a slow nod.
"I… see…"
Taking a short breath, I decided to change the topic. "I heard from Dr Watts that you wished to undergo the Construct transference procedure. Are you sure you wish to do this? By participating in this process, you will sacrifice any possibility for a normal life and your humanity. After today, you will no longer be human and risk receiving discrimination over your new body." I paused before continuing.
"While I heard about your decision from Dr Watts, I wished you to confirm it to me face-to-face Liv."
Then I witnessed Liv's eyes become determined. "Yes… If I can use it to save others… then it is worth it." Wow… even at the brink of death, I have to admire Liv's conviction for sticking through it all.
"I see…" I closed my eyes before opening them before Liv as I stood up. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucia Alpha. A pleasure to meet you, Liv."
Yet to my surprise, Liv's eyes widened as she muttered. "I knew it… you looked familiar… That diary…"
Wait, how did she know about me again? And what books is she talking about?
And I heard Dr Watts calling behind me before I could ask Liv how she knew about me.
"Lucia, it is time we begin the transference procedure. Yours, Luna's and Penny's assistance will be appreciated to ensure everything runs smoothly." Watts explained as I turned to face him as my sisters could be seen behind him. With a simple nod, I spoke.
[Emotion suppressors enabled.]
"Understood." I turned my head towards Liv for the final time for now. "We will ensure the process goes through smoothly, Liv. However, I recommend you get some rest now." Liv nodded as her eyes closed as I turned and faced Dr Watts again.
"We can begin the procedure, Doctor," I said as everyone nodded.
Time to see this operation through.
It took days for the transference procedure to complete, and it was not because of Liv's memories. Instead, it was mainly trying to take things slowly but simultaneously ensuring that Liv's mind and soul were intact at the end of the procedure due to her body rapidly dying after what the Grimm Virus did in her body.
Penny also had to prepare to leave for Vale on Friday and left halfway through the procedure, and it was a heart-warming moment for both Luna and me to give our assurances that everything would be fine. And our goodbyes as Penny departs Watt's laboratory. Good to know that things are somewhat going as canon.
Though… If I get the chance, I might be able to ask General Ironwood for permission to visit Penny with Luna. Or visit Team RWBY and JNPR personally and see how they are doing… And hunt Cinder down. Perhaps we could allow Amber to be brought back once we have Cinder in custody.
Besides, it was now midday when Liv's transference of her soul and mind into a Construct's body was completed. Luna and I watched the pod holding her let out a hiss as it slowly opened while all Atlas personnel in the laboratory were at work.
Speaking of Liv, her original organic body was burned and cremated due to its cellular structure falling apart almost immediately without her soul sustaining it. However, much to my confusion, the doctors on the scene still managed to preserve some of her egg cells.
I tried to ask and understand why they needed it in the first place since we Constructs are machines and, thus, sterile. We can't have children at all, and it makes no sense to preserve them.
Nevertheless, once Liv's pod opened up, Luna and I moved in and began run-in scans on Liv's status.
[Conversion of Liv into Construct successful.]
[Scanning interior stability…]
…
[Scanning complete.]
[No mental deviation detected.]
[Aura and consciousness transplant successful.]
[No complications detected.]
"Liv currently has no mental deviations. Aura and memory transplant successful." I spoke first, and my sister nodded as I approached Liv inside the pod. Her height changed, as she is now 1.55 meters tall compared to when she was 1.50 meters. Furthermore, her hair length and colour didn't change at all. However, there was a new addition to her body.
Like I have mechanical parts covering my ears and the side of my jaw, Liv has these mechanical muffs over her ears, and they have two pairs of pink horns that stick out vertically from her head. The ones further to the back of her head were much longer than the front pairs. And quick scanning indicates that these grant Liv more processing power and would allow her to scan for enemy weaknesses in seconds.
Or grant her superb battlefield analysis if she is not in combat compared to Me, Luna and Penny. I wonder if all these frames are tailored to their personalities during the transference procedure…
She was also naked, and we needed to make her a new outfit. We should make their outfits before we let them undergo the transference procedure. This a suggestion we should rectify in time, I hope. Luna and I watched Liv sleepily open her eyes before glancing everywhere as if she were seeing something in her eyes.
Ah, it must be her first time seeing the Hud in her eyes. Taking a side glance at my sister, I spoke. "Luna, can you go and get Liv some clothes?" I asked, and without looking at me, Luna nodded as she floated away. As for me, I returned my attention to Liv, who was still getting the hang of things, as I extended my hand to her.
"Are you alright, Liv?" I asked as Liv winced over something. Oh dear, she's not used to becoming a Construct. I watched as Liv nodded her head and reached for my hand.
"Yes, I'm alright. I'm just not used to everything happening." Liv shyly says as she takes my hand before I gently pull her out of the transference pod. And as I did that, wires and plugs began to fall off her body with a hiss before Luna arrived at my side with a simple white dress.
Where did she get that?
"Liv, here is a dress for you to wear until we can procure a uniform for you to wear." Luna said as Liv thanked my sister before she took it and began to wear it. As for me, I turned around and headed straight for Dr Watts and Pietro, who were not too far away from my position, watching their tablets.
"Dr Watts, Pietro," I called out to the two chief scientists as they looked up from their tablets. "I'm not detecting any mental deviations within Liv." I explained as Watts hummed.
"Yes. We can say the same for frame stability. First, though, it will be required for Liv to remain under watch for another month or so to ensure that nothing's wrong with her after the procedure. And then we'll leave it to General Ironwood to see through her." Pietro nodded his head as he added in.
"That is true. What we have done here is entirely new for everyone here. I supposed it take time to see where this leads next, Lucia." Pietro paused momentarily as he turned his head towards Luna, assisting Liv into her dress. "Though, we will need to make her a new uniform to go alongside her upgrades."
I closed my eyes for a second. "I concur. Do you require our assistance? Or can you take it from here, Doctor?" I asked as Watts and Pietro glanced at each other.
"While we could take it from here, Lucia, Your and Luna's assistance will be appreciated. Though I expect the General to ask a report about her." Watts explained as I was reminded of a conversation I picked up between Ozpin and General Ironwood about Liv.
It was mainly bickering between Ironwood and Ozpin about the status of Liv. As you can guess, Liv is from Vale and has a household in Vale until her step-family. Yet, from what I heard, her step-family and Liv have a… strained relationship. Until recently, when they received word that she was still alive.
Ozpin suggested that once Liv was ready to leave Altas, she should return to Vale, but Ironwood disagreed. Due to Liv's unique situation and going through an emergency conversion, it is up to Atlas to ensure she is ready before letting her choose what she wishes to do.
Long story short, they went back and forth for hours until they eventually compromised. Once she finishes her check-up, Liv will be offered a choice whether she stays in Altas or returns to Vale and works directly under Ozpin since Ironwood isn't ready to announce to the world about us Constructs' existence yet.
Especially me. Even so, doing that puts us four at risk of Salem's plots. I fear what happens if she manages to capture one of us or Father's tech. That thinking made me shiver up what is technically my spine as I nodded at Dr Watt's explanation and turned around to see Luna alongside Liv behind me.
"Lucia…" Liv called me as she looked conflicted. Did something happen? "Can we talk alone for a moment?" Liv asked as I glanced at Dr Watts and Pietro, who nodded at me.
"Understood. Now give us a minute, everyone." I said as I watched everyone leave the transference room, as I turned my attention to Liv. Luna looked uncertain and about to refuse to go, but ultimately, she chose not to as she followed everyone else.
Soon the whole room was empty except for Liv and me.
"Query. What do you wish to ask me?" I spoke up as Liv spoke softly.
"Were you the one who killed my grandpa before I was born?" Liv asked as my eyes widened upon hearing her words. "I read some of his dairies talking about something called Project Alpha. And I think that it is you."
Did I? I can't say I remember whether I did it since I had my memories wiped after I did the deed. But… If Liv's asking me about it… that could only mean that her grandpa was one of my victims.
Oh god… And if this is the case, his granddaughter is standing right before me!
[Notice. Deceit is not an option. Recommend telling the truth.]
"What… was his name?" I slowly asked as Liv furrowed her eyes.
"Thorvald. Thorvald Idonia. That's my grandpa's name, according to my father. He hated you for it."
[Searching logs for Thorvald Idonia on the CCTS…]
[Search complete.]
[Thorvald Idonia is one of the scientists that worked on a secret project in Atlas. Unfortunately, he lost his life in the event that Project Alpha went rogue and murdered everyone in the facility.]
Oh…
I could only offer Liv a guilty look as I confirmed her suspicions. "Yes… he was one of the victims during my… rampage…"
"Oh." Liv blinked as I sighed and continued.
"Do you hate me for what I did to your grandfather? I won't blame you if you do." I muttered as Liv continued to blink and stare at me without emotion.
[Liv is gathering all data related to Lucia Alpha.]
"No, I don't. I never got to know my grandpa personally." Liv finally spoke, and her comment made me widen my eyes as I looked into her pink eyes. "I may not know what happened or why you went rogue that day, but you saved my life and those Huntsman days ago. The actions you did once you re-joined Altas told me everything. You're trying your best to right the wrongs, and I cannot hate someone like you for what you did in the past."
Ha... Liv's truly a sweetheart, huh? Showing kindness to someone who took someone from her family away.
"I see…" I murmur before letting out an amused chuckle. "If only the rest of the world bears your sentiment. Not everyone is so forgiving."
I offered Liv a smile before I wiped it off my face. "We're done here. Let us leave." Liv nodded as both of us left the laboratory. Time to see into her outfit and her weapons…
Penny POV
Big sister Lucia is right! The city of Vale is spectacular to see with such wondrous sights! And Beacon looks stunning in person! I hope Luna can see such sights with us when the time comes! Also, Ciel Soleil was there with me, but I wished for an hour to explore Vale by myself, though I wished she could be my friend instead of just there to watch over me.
But I notice that Ciel is a bit creeped out around me. Is that the correct word to describe how she feels? She never really explained why, but she kept staring at me as if I were a puzzle. I don't like it. There were also my other teammates, but they disappeared after we arrived in Beacon. While I could track them easily by their scrolls, big sisters Lucia and Luna say it is rude to stalk people like that.
I should record my journey in Vale. I'm sure big sister Luna would like to see what lies beyond Atlas. She always wanted to explore outside of Atlas, but Dr Watts preferred to keep her inside, unlike big sister Lucia who the General kept sending on missions. I wonder why that's the case.
Oh right! There is also Liv. Yes! Liv! That's her name! Unfortunately, I couldn't be there all the way through her process because I needed to prepare to leave Atlas for Vale. But I could always ask Lucia or Luna about it while I'm here. I did it before with my big sister Lucia while she was in Vale that other time!
I wonder how is Liv coping with her new Construct frame? Lucia and Luna should be there to help her out, though. It's a pity that her human body expired once we extracted her aura and memories. But I wonder, does that make Liv more like us? Or more of the same? I wonder... Perhaps Dr Watts or Father could tell me when they get the chance, or I could ask my sisters for their thoughts on the manner!
At the moment, I was at the docks of Vale, and the sight of the sea was sensational! And there are many new sensations to explore! Though this one isn't that great. It smells of hydrazine, hydroxylamine and ammonia. Eww. I do not like that at all.
The sensation is awful!
Actually, now that I think about it, I have never been to the markets before, because there was never a point for me being there in the past and because of restrictions but now I can change that! With a smile on my face, I enjoyed my walk through the streets of Vale, all decorated in time for the Vytal Festival, when I heard people running before a blond monkey Faunus, judging by the tail, ran past me and was followed by two police officers.
But before I could wonder what was all that about as I watched them run somewhere…
A Hud appeared in my eyes. Right! I now have this Hud thingy that Lucia and Luna have had for a while! It would regularly offer helpful suggestions or alert me to anything happening to my surroundings! It's so cool!
[Impact incoming.]
My eyes widened as, with haste, I moved against the wall as a girl with white hair and dress ran past me, but she tripped on my shoe accidentally and fell face-first onto the ground. Why does she look familiar?
Also. Oops…
Should I do something about this?
"No, he got away!" The white girl expressed frustration as several more footsteps grew louder and arrived.
"Sal-u-ta-tions! Are you alright?" I asked out while I offered her a hand. While the white hair girl turned, and I had a good look at her face. Oh! So that's why she looks familiar! She's Weiss Schnee, a team member of team RWBY, which big sister Lucia met weeks back! This is wonderful!
"Yes… I'm fine, but…" Weiss spoke.
"But?" Confused, I could only tilt my head as I heard voices behind me.
"Weiss, are you alright?" I turned to see the remaining three team members RWBY. Oh, how unexpected and astounding this is!
"Yes! Your friend Weiss is fine!" I enthusiastically said as Weiss took my hand before I pulled her up. And once she is back on her feet, I introduce myself. As big sister Luna says, making an excellent first impression when making friends is always good!
"Salutations! My name is Penny! It's a pleasure to meet you, team RWBY!" I greeted as all four members of team RWBY looked at me with shock. Did I say something wrong?
"You… know us?" Ruby Rose as me as I remembered an important detail. Of course, they would react this way! They had never seen me before, but I knew them! I need to rectify that this instant!
"Right!" I smiled as I clapped my hands together! "Big sister Lucia told me much about you four and how you were her escorts during her stay in Beacon! Don't you remember her?" I asked as I could see the connection clicking in their heads. That's how I say it, right?
"Wait, wait, wait!" Yang says as she waves her hands in front of herself. "You're one of the sisters Lucia mentioned adopting her?" I couldn't help myself as I used my thumb and pointed at my chest with my other arm on my hips.
"Yes, I am!" I smiled. "There were some events that happened that let us adopt Lucia as family! She is still the oldest among the three of us, but that doesn't stop us from connecting! And I don't mind having you all as friends. Lucia says I would get along with your team well enough." I continued explaining as Yang spoke up.
"That's… great. So… what are you doing in Vale?"
"What am I doing in Vale? Well, I am here to fight at the Vytal Festival! Oh! It will be exhilarating to see how we will do in it!" I continued smiling as Weiss spoke up, surprised at my participation in the Vytal Festival.
"Wait, you're fighting in the tournament?" Weiss asked as I gave a salute I perfected during my stay in Atlas!
"I'm combat-ready!" However, Weiss thinks otherwise. Don't worry. I don't hate you at all!
"Forgive me, but you hardly look the part." Am I supposed to wear something different to participate in the Vytal Festival? I asked Lucia and Luna, and they said my current outfit suits me perfectly.
"Says the girl wearing a dress." The Faunus girl, who I recognised as Blake, spoke as I tilted my head.
Weiss must not have liked what her teammate had said as she folded her arms while I watched them. "It's a combat skirt!" Then Ruby suddenly zipped next to Weiss, and I think that was her semblance according to the Data Package big sister Lucia sent me the other time.
"Yeah!" Ruby agrees as Weiss holds out her hand before Ruby low-fives it.
"By that definition, aren't I also wearing a combat skirt?" I asked before Yang shook her head.
"She has a point."
"Wait a minute." Yet Weiss must have realised something as she suddenly approached me and grabbed me by the shoulders. Am I supposed to do something right now?
"If you're here for the tournament, does that mean you know that monkey-tailed... rapscallion?" Weiss then asked as I could only frown for a moment.
"Rapscallion?" I tilted my head. "Are you referring to that Monkey Faunus who ran past me before you tripped?" I asked as Weiss held up a poor drawing of what I could guess was the monkey Faunus from earlier.
"The filthy Faunus from the boat!" Filthy? That is very mean of you, Weiss.
"Why did you say it like that, Weiss?" I couldn't help myself but frown at Weiss's comment. Lucia told me there is no such thing as a black-and-white world, and we should see it from the other's perspective before concluding. But what Weiss just said makes her sound ignorant and mean.
"Everyone is not as fortunate as we are in Atlas. I would have thought that you would be aware of that?" I continued as Weiss looked shocked at my reply. I hope I didn't ruin my chance to be friends with Schnee… And it seems like Blake looked happy at my comment.
Did something happen between the two recently?
"Big sister Lucia would have been disappointed in you if she heard you calling Faunus such terms. Even if you have a good reason to." My speech rendered everyone silent, and I was nervous about how they would react. But I have to say my thoughts to them, and it is wrong for Faunuses to be treated poorly everywhere.
I looked through the history of Remnant, and I can never find a good reason why humans hate Faunus. But that changed for the worst recently when the White Fang became violent and started committing terrorist attacks. By my calculation, this will have the opposite effect and push Human-Faunus relations back if they continue operating like this.
It doesn't help that they tried to use big sister Lucia as a tool to achieve their goals through violence.
Is it natural for one race to hate another for looking differently? And is this why big sister Lucia advised me never to reveal my origins to anyone?
"Wow… way to drop the hammer." Yang muttered after fifteen seconds of silence before I could only watch as Weiss let out an angry huff before she stomped away. I messed up, didn't I?
"Uh, don't worry about that, Penny. Weiss is normally not like this." Ruby patted me on the back as I offered her a smile.
"I hope this doesn't affect our relations and we can still be friends."
"Uhh… Yeah, sure! Why not?" Ruby gave a smile as both Yang and Blake nodded their head. "But… she should get going now and check on Weiss." Oh, ok, friend Ruby!
"See you soon?" I smiled at team R_BY and began walking away as Ruby waved goodbye.
"Take care, friend!" Ruby called out as I waved back.
"Same for you, friend Ruby!" I smiled and waved as I watched Team RWBY leave me alone in the alleyway. It is good to see that Lucia's data package for Team RWBY was, to a certain degree, accurate! "Now, what should I do next?"
I began humming to myself while rubbing my chin. It's a thing I notice big sister Lucia does when she's in thought and wishes to express it. Only seconds passed when I had an idea! I should keep exploring Vale and see everything! And perhaps try out the tasty treats here as well!
Oh, how sweet, soft and fluffy those cakes were when I had them with Luna and Lucia! It was a small celebration by our sister for our successful procedure into Constructs a while back! And I wonder what the cakes in Vale are like compared to Atlas?
And off I went to find some tasty cakes to eat!
And we are done. A slightly shorter chapter because of some real-life stuff like going back to study. So that means I can't dedicate as much of my usual time to writing any of my stories, but I'll do my best to keep going on. Just a heads up for all of you.
Anyways, I'm going to slow the story's pacing down, and because of that, we get some quiet and wholesome time between Lucia and Luna. As well as Liv's officially becoming a Construct and some Lore stuff I wanted to add for this story's version of Liv.
And lastly, we have Penny enjoying her time in Vale and encountering Team RWBY in the midst of Blake's and Weiss's argument. As you can tell, thanks to Lucia and Luna teaching Penny, she is much less awkward and strange than her Canon counterpart. And also much more mature.
With that, I have nothing much to say either than a request for you to follow and favourite me if you enjoy this story! Do also leave a review of what you think of this chapter, as I enjoy reading it and giving replies to it!
I will see you people in the next chapter!
RGQC out!
